Parramatta Lancer Barracks’ Ian Hawthorn dies, aged 76

Parramatta has bade farewell to an avid historian with a rich knowledge of military heritage who contributed to a museum viewed as the “finest of its kind” in Australia.

NSW Lancers Memorial Museum vice president Ian Hawthorn, who devoted much of his life to the military and its history, died on July 21 aged 76 after suffering a heart attack.

Paying tribute to the avid historian and father, Parramatta Lord Mayor Donna Davis outlined his many contributions, most recently with Parramatta’s Lancer Barracks’ museum at Smith St.

Born and educated in England, he gained a British Army cadetship while studying at Cambridge University and served in the British army until 1973.

He was promoted to captain after completing overseas postings to Europe and North Africa.

When he migrated to Australia, he worked for industrial company CSR as a personnel officer and joined the Army Reserve, where he was allocated to the 1st/15th Royal NSW Lancers, and was swiftly posted to a term as squadron commander.

He returned to his civil career in 1977 when he worked in human resources management with a series of large corporations during periods of fast paced major change.

Ian Hawthorn ahead of Anzac Day in 2014 when he curated a World War I exhibition.

He set up his own consulting company specialising in organisational and management development and leadership.

Retirement in 2010 allowed Mr Hawthorn to dedicate more time to his passion of military history and he was elected to the NSW Lancers Memorial Museum as vice president for more than a decade.

“Ian’s dedication to voluntary service saw him willing to turn his hand to everything,’’ Cr Davis said.

“He proved to be a great researcher, organiser and had the capability and tenacity to raise funds.

“Ian was well known and admired for his meticulous approach to grants management and was highly adept at uncovering new funding sources.

“The current Lancers Museum in Parramatta has benefited hugely from his legacy and commitment.’’

Cr Davis said Mr Hawthorn’s deep knowledge about the Second Anglo-Boer War was a highlight of the museum’s collection.

He unearthed significant items such as the Elands River Flag, which is a key item housed in the museum.

“The museum has been professionally assessed as the finest of its kind in Australia — its entire collection was listed on the State Heritage Register in 2010,’’ Cr Davis said.

Mr Hawthorn’s dedication to inspiring a love for military history and educating the community culminated in his work to restore the World War II Matilda Tank ACE, which now stands in a prominent display at the museum.

Ian Hawthorn served in the army and continued educating others about military history through his work at the Lancer Barracks, Parramatta.

“Ian’s passion for military history and heritage will have a long legacy for the City of Parramatta,’’ Cr Davis said.

NSW Lancers Memorial Museum secretary John Howells said Mr Hawthorn knew how to get the most out of his peers.

“Ian was really one of those people who bound us together,’’ he said.

“His network was in Parramatta, substantial and he was one of those people who was intent with his attention to detail and quite driven in how he was able to push us to do things.’’

Mr Hawthorn, of Norwest, endured a long battle with emphysema but died from a heart attack. He is survived by his wife Sarah, three daughters and grandchildren.

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Originally published as Parramatta Lancer Barracks’ Ian Hawthorn dies, aged 76